Two Businessmen Bag 40yr Prison Sentence For Producing Fake Alcohol Drinks
By Felix Kuyinu
The Federal High Court in Lagos Nigeria has jailed two businessmen, Otuorimuno Aziakpono and Ikegwuonu Ogechukwu to a combined 40 years prison term for producing and fake and harmful alcoholic drinks.
The court found 58-year-old Aziakpono and Ikechukwu, 28, culpable of putting the public in danger over the sale of counterfeit Hennessy and Jameson brands, in clear violation the state’s laws and disregard to public safety regulations.
The conviction followed an enforcement operation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, which uncovered large quantities of the items which were unregistered under the agency, packaged to mimic well-known international brands.
During the operation, carried out at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market, NAFDAC seized numerous counterfeit spirits, William Lawson’s, and Gordon’s Gin.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned on multiple counts relating to the production, possession, and distribution of unwholesome and counterfeit alcoholic beverages and after careful examination of the evidence presented, the court found both men guilty and sentenced them accordingly.
In response to the injunction, the agency reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting public health and warned that the production and sale of adulterated alcoholic beverages endanger lives and erode consumer confidence.
The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious products, and report any illicit activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, stressing that such collective action is essential in curbing the circulation of unsafe alcoholic products
